To apply a gradient to an object such as a rectangle, ellipse, usertext (not fasttext), symbol, or free form, follow
the following steps.
Click on the object (or objects by using the shift key) that you want to apply a gradient to.
Click on the 'Fill settings' button. This will open the 'Fill Settings' dialog.
Click on the 'Gradient' tab, then click on the 'Start color' box. This will open the 'Color' dialog.
Click on the color you want and click 'OK'. This will take you back to the 'Fill Settings' dialog.
Click on the 'End color' box. This will open the 'Color' dialog.
Click on the color you want and click 'OK'. This will take you back to the 'Fill Settings' dialog.
Now choose your 'Gradient style' by expanding the categories by clicking on the ' + '. Then click on the style you want.
You can see what the gradient will look like in the 'Sample' box.
Once you have your 'Gradient style' selected, click the 'Ok' button and you're gradient will be applied to the object.